Our thanks go to Norm Willis of Canada for much helpful information on this page
Sarah Alice Pallister was the fourth child of John (Augustus) Pallister & Sarah Vachon born March 28th, 1862 in New Liverpool, Quebec, Canada & was christened June 29th, 1862 in Quebec.
In the 1885 census of Iowa Sarah (known as Alice) was living at West Maine St, Ottumwa, Wapello with her parents & brothers John A, Thomas A & William H. All 3 boys were described as ‘candy makers’ & are known to have set up a confectionery business in Ottumwa. In the early 80s the Pallister Bros had the largest confectionery & ice cream business in Ottumwa. Their store was the first in Ottumwa to install electric light. Four sisters were also living at home – Victoria (18), & Mary (16) both born in Canada, & Matilda (13) & Anna (Joanna) (10) both born in Iowa.
In 1895 Alice & her sisters Mary, Matilda & Annie were living at home in Ottumwa with their widowed mother & all 4 girls were confectioners. Alice’s 3 brothers were also still at home & all described as cigar manufacturers. Also living with them at the time of the census was sister Victoria Johnson with her 3 year old daughter Susie.
The Ottumwa census of 1900 shows Alice living were her brother William Henry, a cigar manufacturer. Their mother was also living there as were Alice’s sisters Anna & Victoria & her daughter Susan. Alice was working as a hair dresser.
By the time of the 1910 Ottumwa census Alice had married William Edwin Cook & was living In Ottumwa Ward 6, Wapello with William’s son from his first marriage, Harold Cook (18). William was born April 23rd, 1861 in Iowa.
Alice & William were living in Ottumwa at the time of the 1920 census.
The 1930 census of Ottumwa lists Alice & William living at 129 Vogel Avenue, Ottumwa, & living next door at number 125 were Alice’s sisters Anna & Victoria Johnson. William was a part owner in a lumber mill.
In 1940 Alice & William were still living in the centre township of Ottumwa at 129 Vogel Avenue & they had a 30 year old lodger, Theodore Nelson. William, aged 78, was described as manager of a mill & contruction.
William died on September 24th, 1951 & was buried in Ottumwa cemetery.
Sarah Alice died on March 27th 1952 & was buried in Ottumwa cemetery.